We may all have experienced something in our lives that overshadows us. Something that we find somehow defines us, makes us who we are or who we think we are. We pull our past along with us constantly. We give it far more importance than it deserves. We think of it as us, as I, as who we are. Our past is our past, simple as that, experiences come and gone, no more. Yet we believe it is our past that has created us. Therefore, our past is present with us in every moment. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

We exist anew each moment if we open up and allow ourselves to be free, to let go and exist just as we are. We are free from all things, including our past. For what is the past really? Emotions tied in with memories and even these we recall at will and tend to alter. Sometimes we give more strength to certain moments, the defining ones, whether we see them as good or bad. They are us, ourselves, with no room to grow. Can you see that by holding onto moments that have gone you are holding yourself back?

We exist only now, the idea that we are made up of our experiences is not true. We can choose to make it true in some way. We can be all our past or only certain parts of it that we think are important, what we want to relate to, to define ourselves with. This is what we choose to be. It is a choice; it is not truth or even real. Why else would we define ourselves with one event over another? Why not create one we like better? Why not relate from the truth, that we are new every day? In every moment we are truly free to be as we really are, nothing holding us down or lifting us up over the moment we are in.

You choose how much of your past you need to carry or relate to. What you believe is or was important is a thought, no more. Who you are now comes from inside you. The past has already been released. With every moment, every change or growth in your life, you are like a new you.

By consciously releasing the past, however you may see it, allows you to fully see the now of who you are. Relate to the present, to who you are right now, for that is the truth. You already are you at every moment, but the best way to grow is by setting yourself free from any ideas of who you are. Can you be you without relating to your past? Can you see yourself just as you are right now, no more, no less? It is far simpler to be present with yourself than to create or mold or confine to your past, the person you think you should be.

Release the idea of your past and be present with you. You may find you are exceptionally different than you thought you were. Allow yourself to live in today without memories overriding the moment you are in or how you exist. We are each free to be ourselves. Remember it is a choice to be you.

Author's Bio: 

Adam Benedetto and Zoe Young are both dedicated to enabling others to reach their full potential in life, to help others release what is holding them back, and to find their true selves. Through years of experience and development, both have sought out the answers we all need to find peace, understand ourselves, and reach enlightenment.
Open up to the peace and truth you will find when you finally see yourself, your true self. Find yourself, learn how to become one with your destiny, and truly be in the moment at Answers in Writing.